Who Can Adopt from Cameroon

Volcanic plugs near Thumski, Far North Region.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

To bring an adopted child to United States from Cameroon, you must be found eligible to adopt by the U.S. government. The U.S. government agency responsible for making this determination is the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Learn more.

In addition to these U.S. requirements for adoptive parents, Cameroon also has the following requirements for adoptive parents:

Residency

The prospective adoptive parents must have the child in their care and custody for at least three consecutive months before the High Court will consider issuing an adoption decree.

Age of Adopting Parents

At least one adoptive parent in the couple must be older than 40 years of age. If neither parent meets the age requirement, at least one must be at least 35 years old and they must have been married for a minimum of 10 years. If neither of these requirements can be met, the couple can submit a medical certificate confirming their infertility in order to have the age requirement waived. The couple should bring a medical certificate from a U.S. or local doctor.

Marriage

Adoptive parents must be married . Single people can adopt - with certain restrictions on age. As homosexuality is illegal in Cameroon, gay or lesbian marriages are not recognized.

Income

The couple must provide evidence of financial capacity to support the adopted child. This evidence can be proven with a report of a home study from the U.S. along with bank statements, evidence of assets, pay slips, etc.

Other

Both parties in a couple must be in agreement over the adoption. One spouse may not adopt without the other's consent. PAPs must submit a medical certificate from either a U.S. or local doctor showing that they are medically fit. Evidence of consent of the birth parent(s) (if they are alive). The consent must be witnessed either in court, by a diplomatic consulate or by a public notary. Evidence of the consent of the adoptee if s/he is 16 or older. The consent must be witnessed either in court, by a diplomatic consulate or by a public notary. Prospective adoptive parents must come to Cameroon for an extended period of time and participate (in person) in the elaborate legal procedures.

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